2002/2003 half-year consolidated accounts

In a difficult economic climate, IGE+XAO continued its expansion during the first half of 2002/2003 with an increase in turnover of 5% and a consolidated net result resting at € 526 K against € 442K for 2001/2002, representing growth of 19%. This performance is particularly notable in the International market, the main target of the Group, where the business grew by 13% in the period.

Apart from the increase in turnover, the sharp increase in gross trading profit (up 15%) is explained by the firm control over costs which have gone up by only 3% when compared to 2001/2002 (costs net of the reimbursement of some of the operating costs).

At the same time, the Group is able to consolidate its financial situation with a cash flow of € 4,434K and a shareholder's equity of € 7,090K, with a respective increase of 18% and 15%, after taking into account the impact of the reclassification of shares on July 31st 2002 (€ 731K). Furthermore IGE+XAO benefits from a low level of indebtedness , which adds up to less than 5% of the shareholder's equity.

During the fiscal, IGE+XAO are reassured that their budget plan is correct and anticipate a net profit of between 7% and 9% of turnover.